How to care for a Rottweiler puppy: useful tips

Rottweiler

- This is one of the breeds that they try to characterize by appearance. People who have little knowledge of this breed consider Rottweilers to be very dangerous and unpredictably aggressive. However, in life everything is not like that. This breed of dog is distinguished by its devotion.

Rottweilers are very hardy. Due to their adorable physical features and quick-witted qualities, this dog breed has a variety of uses. They can become service dogs, helpers to society. They can safely be dedicated to guides, bodyguards, rescuers, watchmen, or even police officers. Rottweilers can be an excellent pet that will perfectly protect your family. These dogs love a cozy family atmosphere, into which they fit perfectly.

The history of the Rottweiler and its origins

The history of the origin of the breed begins in the German town of Rottweil. In ancient times, the Romans invaded German lands with the goal of capturing them. On this journey, the Romans drove their cattle and herd of horses with the help of brave and strong dogs. They attracted the attention of the Germans with their ferocity and fearlessness. Despite this, the Romans were expelled from German lands and the Swabian tribes, who lived at that time in the vicinity of Rottweil, subjugated the Roman dogs. The German tribe highly appreciated their high performance, which became a distinctive feature of the description of the breed.

In the 18th century, it was decided to crossbreed Roman dogs with local shepherd dogs. Thanks to this experiment, the Rottweiler dog breed appeared. The main initiators of the selection were the butchers of Rottweil.

The new and improved Rottweiler breed has become an excellent guardian of local lands and for transporting meat products, and also an assistant in moving herds. In those days, these four-legged friends were valued mainly for their physical and mental qualities. The external sign had no meaning. Fearless dogs drove huge herds of bulls, courageously withstanding painful blows from their hooves and horns.

Thanks to these extreme conditions, the basic qualities of this breed were formed. Such skills and abilities as well-placed aggression, strong strength, excellent endurance, constant activity, a muted sense of pain, determination and courage have made these dogs indispensable helpers.

In the 19th century, due to the spread of infection, continental transhumance was stopped. The Rottweilers have gone on vacation. However, the exclusive abilities of this breed did not go unnoticed. The beginning of the 20th century became a time of crisis for dogs of this breed. Their breed in its pure form was on the verge of extinction. In 1907, in Germany, the community of Rottweiler owners and admirers organized participation in international exhibitions and tournaments. Such an idea did not pass without a trace, and in America and Great Britain Rottweilers were received with a bang.

Dogs are purposeful and, at the same time, devoted to humans. Such external physical qualities as a proportional and powerful physique helped such a breed of dog as the Rottweiler to become an excellent service dog and distinguished itself in team work with humans.

Rottweilers are up to any task. They ideally pursued and deftly detained offenders together with police officers, guarded objects and actively helped firefighters carry buckets of water on their backs. Rottweilers are not afraid of the elements; they are able to pull people out from under the ruins.

The appearance of the modern Rottweiler repeats the image of its ancient ancestor. The Rottweiler's character and physical characteristics are constantly evolving today thanks to an excellent service gene pool. It was only in the mid-20th century that Rottweilers began to be taught to live in apartments. Surprisingly, they proved to be kind, sympathetic and loving pets.

At one time, in the city of Rottweil, Rottweiler dogs served as treasurers. The owners, who were mostly butchers, tied a purse containing coins around the necks of their dogs. All criminals were afraid of Rottweilers and never fought them. Therefore, the funds were under the full protection of a reliable security guard.

History of the origin of the breed

The Rottweiler is a breed with a long history, which has experienced both enormous popularity and almost complete extinction. The ancestors of the breed are dogs that helped herd livestock back in Ancient Rome. The origin of the breed known today as the Rottweiler from Roman herding dogs was thanks to the militant Roman Empire, which dreamed of conquering Europe. To achieve this goal, she needed a huge army and an incredible amount of provisions to feed it. Considering that at that time there was no trace of refrigeration equipment, the meat intended for the soldiers had to be fresh, and therefore accompany them in a “live” form. To ferry, accompany and guard such “provisions” on the way and at night camp stops during long and grueling marches, the army needed a dog. A mastiff-like dog was perfect for this role.

In Europe, the ancestors of Rottweilers appeared thanks to the aggressive plans of the Roman Empire. Having crossed the Alps with the warriors, the guardians of the herds entered the territory of Southern Germany. The armies moved forward, some of the dogs remained in the conquered territories where local dogs lived. The offspring of the dogs of the Roman legionnaires and their South German counterparts later became known as Rottweilers. The dogs continued to guard the herds. Now it was the livestock of the local residents, because the legionnaires were driven out of the occupied lands.

The name of the breed is associated with the city of Rottweil, in the vicinity of which the main occupation of the peasants was beef cattle breeding. The work of a “butcher dog” was very hard. The dog had to not only herd the herd, but also take it to the place of slaughter. Cows, sheep and pigs obeyed quite well, it was more difficult with violent bulls. At first the bull walked quite peacefully, but then it began to become stubborn and rear up, making it difficult to drive away the cattle. And here the intervention of a beater dog was required - the so-called “stumpf” or “stumpfer” - a dog with a severed tail.

This is how Rottweilers were distinguished from other beater dogs with normal long tails. After barking, the dog had to bite the stubborn bull on command over the ankle of the hind leg, which was associated with a certain danger for the dog. But the more serious the situation became, the more enthusiastically the Rottweiler attacked the ferocious bull and always forced him to continue on his way. The ability to bring a ferocious bull to order earned the beater dog sympathy and popularity, which increased thanks to the intelligence and courage of his four-legged assistant.

The descendants of Roman dogs worked hard until the middle of the 19th century, when cattle driving was prohibited, and in addition to this, the railway and donkeys replaced dog carts. The Rottweil butcher dog, as the breed came to be called, fell on hard times. The need for them has practically disappeared, but in those days dogs were kept only for work. Their number decreased so sharply that in 1882, only one, far from the best representative of the breed, was shown at the Heilbronn Dog Show.

A historical event took place in the city of Kiel. In one of the pubs, 14 tipsy sailors started swearing and fighting over a woman. The owner of the pub ran out into the street and called the patrolling watchman, who hurried into the pub with his dog. The dog happened to be a Rottweiler. Entering the establishment, he commanded in an orderly tone, “Quiet!”

Laughter was the answer and the tipsy people rushed at the guard. That is, they tried to do it. And they were immediately thrown to the floor by a dog who had spent his entire life working to pacify bulls. The guard commanded: “Get up and line up!”

The sobered sailors lined up and were taken out without outside help and walked to the police station under escort of dogs. Going out into the street, one of the sailors tried to run away, but was immediately thrown to the ground, which completely pacified the rest.

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Admiral Prince Heinrich von Prussen, brother of Emperor Wilhelm, heard this story about the guard and his brave dog and ordered the pair to be presented to him. When we met, the admiral wanted to pet the dog. “Don’t touch Your Royal Majesty!” the guard shouted in fear. “The dog grabs without respect everyone who touches it. I ask your permission to sit down and take off my helmet. Now the dog knows that I’m not on guard and you can pet it.”

The prince extended his hand to the guard across the table: “It gave me pleasure to hear about you and meet you outside of duty,” the admiral replied. Two weeks later, guard Shultzman received an Order with a Garter from the ministry for his courageous act in the service. This story was interpreted and repeated countless times by the entire German press and the Rottweiler became extremely popular and famous.

During the years 1901-1907, the Rottweiler also gained recognition as a police dog. On January 13, 1907, the German Rottweiler Club (DRK - Deutscher Rottweiler Klub) was organized, and on April 26 of the same year - the International Rottweiler Club (IRK - Internationaler Rottweiler Klub). On August 14, 1921, the National Rottweiler Club of Germany - ADRK - was created in Würzburg, in which 3,400 Rottweilers were already registered. Since its inception, despite the difficulties encountered during and after the Second World War, the ADRK has managed to remain the leading club of the breed in Germany. For 70 years now, this club has been a trendsetter in the world of Rottweilers. This organization rightfully deserves the credit for creating the modern appearance of the breed. Although the improvement was still carried out with an emphasis on exterior forms, working qualities were not forgotten.

Rottweilers were brought to Russia in 1914. They were used in the fight against predators and to protect herds of domesticated elk. It turned out that this breed is very resistant to cold weather. This may explain its popularity in Scandinavian countries, where climatic conditions are very harsh.

There was no breeding work with the breed in Russia - Rottweilers soon disappeared and reappeared only after the Great Patriotic War. They were brought to the Krasnaya Zvezda nursery. Then, under the leadership of G.P. Medvedev, work began on breeding the black terrier breed, the basis of which was such breeds as the Rottweiler, Giant Schnauzer, and Airedale Terrier.

Rottweilers have appealed to many amateur dog breeders and have become, although still rare, a very popular breed of service dog.

Brief characteristics of the breed

Rottweiler breed standard: main characteristics, description

In addition to the triple coloring and curly coat, there are official descriptions of the breed that distinguish it from others. This is a very massive torso, deep and wide chest, straight back, rounded and slightly sloping croup.

Distinctive external characteristics of the Rottweiler

:

• Body proportions. The body is straight, strong, strong. Spacious chest. It is wide and deep (approximately 50% of height), with a well-developed chest bone and mobile ribs.
• Muzzle. The nose is straight, wide at the base and slightly tapering towards the nose. The nose is wide with large black nostrils. The muzzle is proportional to the skull.
• The ears are medium, hanging, triangular, set wide and high.
• The eyes are almond-shaped and medium in size. Color - dark brown. The eyelids are adjacent to the eyeball.
• Naturally shaped tail. In tension, continues the topline. When at rest, it sometimes hangs down.

Rottweiler nutrition

The peculiarity of the breed is that it is prone to obesity, so the dog’s weight must be carefully monitored. The Rottweiler has a sensitive stomach and a very delicate liver. If you have structured your dog's diet in such a way that it suits it perfectly, do not deviate from it. Changes must be made taking into account the age and condition of your pet (pregnancy, illness). A working, show or breeding dog needs different nutrition because it uses energy differently than a companion dog.

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An adult Rottweiler (after 6 months of age) should be fed twice a day. We recommend feeding your Rottweiler in the morning (at a time convenient for you) and in the afternoon, and it is better if this happens no later than 18:00. This is better for digestion and allows the body to “rest” at night.

Rottweiler character

The official description of the breed says that nature has endowed Rottweilers with amazing internal qualities. They have a calm character, are quite balanced, very obedient and efficient. Despite their fearlessness and self-confidence, Rottweilers are good-natured and love children. You can allow a small child to have a dog, but preferably under parental supervision. A close connection between children and the dog will improve the protective functions of the pet. It is extremely important to teach children to treat the dog the way they would like to be treated.

By nature itself, Rottweilers have excellent watchdog qualities and, in connection with this, it is important not to overdo it in raising and training the dog’s fighting qualities. Because, if the Rottweiler lives in an apartment and is in contact with children, then in such conditions the dog’s belligerence will only do harm. The pet must be taught the manners and rules of behavior of living together in a family. Aggression occurs only if there is a direct threat to the family.

It is important to know that Rottweiler training techniques should not be cruel or violent for the dog. Such upbringing is fraught with serious consequences not only for others, but also for the owner of an improperly trained dog. By using violence and harshness in the training process, you will forever ruin the dog's friendly character. Unfortunately, there are many examples of Rottweilers cruelly dealing with children and adults, the reason for this being cruel treatment, first of all, of the dog. Nevertheless, I would like to draw your attention once again to the fact that with proper training, Rottweilers can become your best friends. They are able to calm, delight and support.

By nature, the Rottweiler is a shepherd, and when, at one time, he had to get acquainted with the herd, first of all he subjugated the leader of the herd, and later managed to easily conquer all the other individuals. Fans of Rottweilers need to remember that their pets must use their full physical potential every day. Dogs of this breed need training, physical activity and an outburst of emotions. Next to such a dog, the owner also gets involved in physical exercise.

Rottweiler and training are quite compatible things. Dogs of this breed are disciplined and intelligent. If you do not have experience in training, then it is better to entrust this matter to a professional, since Rottweilers require a special approach. As mentioned above, you cannot be excessively cruel, but constant indulgence will not lead to anything good.

Angry Rottweiler, video

Brief description of the breed

The Rottweiler is a large breed. The weight of an adult dog is more than 42 kg, and its height ranges from 56-68 cm depending on the sex of the animal.

By all standards, the color of the dog should be black with red tan. Other options do not meet the breed requirements.

By nature, the Rottweiler is cunning, soft and affectionate; it is sometimes even compared to a cat, but only for members of its family. If he feels seriously threatened, he will turn into a ruthless protector of the pack (family).

Considering that the dog’s instinct to protect its owner comes first, it must be trained to avoid the manifestation of causeless aggression. The Rottweiler is easy to train, you just need to overcome its natural laziness. In addition to training, do not forget about the early socialization of the dog.

If a person does not have experience raising this type of dog, then they should entrust the dog to a professional or think about choosing a different breed.

Rottweiler photo

There are many photographs of this beautiful breed. Looking at them, it is impossible not to fall in love with all the greatness, power and beauty of the dog.

Two adults are resting.

Rottweiler puppies.

Is it possible to keep a Rottweiler on a chain?

If you want to have a dog in your yard that will sit on a chain, it is better to get a “Caucasian” or a Moscow watchdog. The “specialization” of Rottweilers is like this

• watchman;
• bodyguard;
• guard;
• family companion;
• security guard.

This dog is not suitable as a chain watchdog. Caring for a Rottweiler involves giving your pet the opportunity to realize his potential and physical capabilities. This is a very good-natured family breed, but in case of danger that threatens the owner or his home, he becomes a formidable defender.

Rottweiler maintenance and care

From the descriptions of the breed it follows that Rottweiler dogs need a lot of space for their comfortable existence. Ideally, they will enjoy living in a private home where they can run around the yard or enclosure. This large dog will be uncomfortable in an apartment. And the owners themselves will have a lot of additional troubles.

In city conditions, Rottweilers need long walks, at least an hour and a half a day. This is important so that the pet can keep itself in excellent physical shape and so that it is calmer at home. Rottweilers are prone to obesity because they love to eat. You should not allow yourself to be overweight, as this can lead to trouble. Nature created them stately, graceful, powerful, so you should not upset this balance. In this regard, it is necessary to feed your pet properly. The rule here is that it is better often, but little by little, than rarely and a lot.

Therefore, there should be 3-4 feedings a day in small portions.

If you follow proper nutrition and exercise your dog sufficiently, you will not have any difficulty keeping your pet in excellent shape, which will have a positive effect on the health of your Rottweiler.

When keeping this breed of dog in an apartment, you need to know that they shed twice a year, for at least a month. To prevent the ubiquitous hair from causing inconvenience, the dog should be brushed with a stiff brush. As for bathing, it is better not to do it often.

How to feed a Rottweiler correctly

A dog’s diet is the second important point after upbringing and training. How long Rottweilers live at home depends on the quality of the diet and the correct feeding regimen. And they live a long time: with good care, up to 12 years.

Basic feeding rules

Veterinarians and breeders advise following the following recommendations:

1. A bowl of clean water should always be within the dog's reach.
2. If food remains after eating, it must be removed. The next portion should be given at the next feeding time.
3. You should not change the brand of food unless necessary. In case of allergies or food intolerance, new food should be introduced gradually, replacing some of the familiar food with new food.

Types of feed

The Rottweiler's diet should be varied. You can feed dry food or natural food:

• Dry food. The main advantages of industrial food are a balanced combination of ingredients and saving the owner’s time on preparing food for the dog. Food should be purchased at least premium. They are of higher quality compared to inexpensive analogues and can provide the Rottweiler with all the necessary nutrients for a full and healthy life.
• Natural food. The main part of the food is meat and offal. In addition to them, sources of protein for your pet can be fermented milk products, eggs, and low-fat fish. The Rottweiler gets carbohydrates from rice and buckwheat, and fiber from vegetables. Prohibited foods are sweets, milk, and tubular bones.

Diet

With proper feeding, your Rottweiler will delight you with its excellent health and physical fitness. Even from puppyhood, it is necessary to accustom your pet to a dietary, systematic diet. It is necessary to feed your pet at a set time and in a specially designated place. This is necessary so that the dog develops a routine and knows its place.

At the age of two months, the puppy needs six meals a day. Closer to the year, the number of feedings can be reduced to three.

It is important to remember that the puppy's first feeding occurs before his morning walk, and his last before bed. You can't feed him in the middle of the night!

The Rottweiler's diet should be dietary. Various porridges with chopped pieces of raw meat are well digested. You can start with well-cooked rice with the addition of fresh beef (pieces).

It is important that the dog does not overeat in one feeding, so watch the measure. Feeding should only be done on a schedule so that food is not always readily available. If the animal has no appetite, it is necessary to remove the bowl of food until the dog gets hungry, or simply reduce the portion. Gradually it is necessary to introduce soups, cheese, fish and vegetables in small portions.

Rottweiler puppies should not be given bones, pork, and especially fresh bread and sausage.

The diet of dogs of this breed should be properly balanced and varied with a complex of vitamins. In addition to meat and cereals (carbohydrates), the Rottweiler's menu should include offal, cottage cheese, cheese and other dairy products (important elements for strong bones), fish and eggs (necessary proteins for the dog's growth and life).

Among porridges, it is better to offer rice and buckwheat, cooked in a broth of meat and vegetables. It is not advisable to feed your pet pearl barley porridge, as it is poorly digestible. You can include poultry in your diet.

Raw vegetables that contain fiber should also be present in your Rottweiler's food. Vegetables act as a complement to food and should make up only 20% of the total food. They are an easy addition to the meal and make up no more than 20%. Do not forget about drinking plenty of fluids and liquid foods (soups).

There are several gastronomic rules that must be strictly known and followed when feeding your Rottweiler:

• You cannot include in the menu: milk, legumes, barley and potato dishes, all types of sweets, including buns, as well as tubular bones.
• As a result of drinking milk, your Rottweiler may experience digestive problems, leading to an upset stomach. Kefir is an ideal replacement for milk.
• Legumes cause flatulence.
• Potatoes are undesirable due to their high starch content.
• Sweets have a negative effect on your Rottweiler's vision.
• Tubular bones can be dangerous to your pet's health because they are not digestible and are quite sharp, which can cause harm to the walls of the stomach and intestines.

You can feed your Rottweiler dry food. High-quality food contains the entire complex of vitamins and microelements that are very necessary for the normal functioning of a dog. Feeding dry food significantly reduces the time spent preparing food, but increases material costs. Therefore, when choosing one or another feeding method, you need to weigh all your possibilities, including material ones.

Website about dogs

The Rottweiler dog breed deservedly occupies a leading position in the ranking of the popularity of dog breeds around the world.
These are very smart, loyal and reliable dogs. The protective qualities of the Rottweiler allow us to compare it with a stone wall, behind which are everyone whom this dog “guards.” At the same time, the Rottweiler is very affectionate and affectionate to all members of his owner’s family, which makes him a wonderful companion dog.

How difficult is it to care for a Rottweiler? In this article we will discuss the most important points that all owners of these wonderful dogs need to know.

Healthy eating is the foundation. Rottweilers in general are not a breed of dog with sensitive digestion, but due to their size and constitution they require the most careful attitude of their owners to the issue of nutrition.

What is the best food to feed a Rottweiler?

Fans of natural food for dogs are sure that there is nothing better than “natural” food, which is based on meat.

This method of feeding dogs is, of course, not bad, but keep in mind that you will have to independently adjust your pet’s diet, constantly adding vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as supplementing the meat ingredients with vegetables, fruits, and oils. The issue of the cost of such feeding is also important. Meat production waste and offal are cheaper than meat, but the nutritional value of such food is low, which can affect the health of your pet.

A more convenient and rational way is to buy ready-made food. Dry dog ​​food is produced taking into account all the animal’s needs, both in nutrients and essential vitamins. You shouldn't skimp on food - cheap dog food is made from low-quality ingredients. It is better to choose premium and super-premium dog food - everything is balanced in them, and you no longer have to worry about whether your dog is getting everything he needs.

The online pet store Zooparadise.com.ua offers a wide selection of dog food from a variety of brands, including those that are designed specifically for the needs of a particular breed. For example, a Rottweiler puppy should be fed food for large and giant breed puppies - almost every manufacturer has such food in their line. If you can’t make a choice on your own, ask for advice. Zooparadise.com.ua specialists will recommend food that is optimal for your pet.

A nice detail: by shopping here, you are doing your bit to help animals. The store supports an animal shelter, and shelters never need help.

Contents in the apartment

When keeping a Rottweiler in an apartment, be sure to take into account all the descriptions of the breed so that you can provide him with acceptable living conditions. The place must be dry, drafts are not allowed. The dog's bed should be moderately soft, as Rottweilers are prone to bedsores.

The eating area should be separate from the sleeping area. Meals only according to a specific schedule. Avoid snacking between meals as this will lead to unwanted obesity.

The Rottweiler is, first of all, a guard and therefore it is difficult for him to endure long separations from his owner. A dog of this breed chooses only one main owner, to whom he is obedient and faithful; in order to avoid such a problem, it is necessary to divide the responsibilities for caring for and feeding the pet among all household members. In this case, the Rottweiler will understand that he depends on all family members and will serve everyone.

Rottweilers are great with children and love them. There is nothing surprising in this, since the nature of this breed is to protect people, and not to attack. What makes them aggressive is the people themselves, their cruel masters. When guests come to the house, the Rottweiler will try to protect the house by barking loudly. Do not scold your pet too much for this; you need to send him to his place in a calm tone.

Do not allow everyone to pet your dog or give him treats. This behavior will disorient the pet; it will become difficult for him to recognize friends and strangers. Allow your Rottweiler to interact with other animals. This is important for their psychological state.

If during a walk you notice that your dog is eating feces, then do not allow it. However, be aware that in this case it is necessary to add calcium and phosphorus to the diet.

You must not forget about vaccinating your pet (plague, enteritis, rabies). Also, in apartment conditions, the dog should not be deprived of vitamins and minerals. They must be additionally purchased from a veterinary pharmacy. Make sure your vitamins contain glucosamine. It is irreplaceable in the development of the dog’s muscles and bones. The main problem with Rottweilers, which occurs after eight years of life, is fragility of the hind legs. In this regard, it is necessary to take care of your pet’s paws and wear socks when walking in cold weather.

Don't feed fatty foods, but offer a beef bone once a week to help your dog clean his teeth.

Bathing should be no more than once a month; frequent bathing will lead to dandruff. When washing, it is better to use specialized shampoos or baby soap.

If you are afraid of keeping a Rottweiler in an apartment, we will dispel your fears. In this matter, it is only important to follow the basic simple rules. Don't let your fears deprive you of the joy of coexistence with a friendly, devoted and very loyal dog breed.

Is it possible to keep a Rottweiler outside in winter?

This issue still remains unresolved. Some owners keep their dogs in a kennel all year round. Others argue that the Rottweiler has too little fur for him to survive the winter outside without problems.

If it is not possible to house your pet for the winter, make sure that its “wintering” is comfortable and safe. The kennel should be insulated as much as possible, and during severe frosts, figure out how to provide the “dog house” with additional heating. Otherwise, it is better to take your four-legged friend home for the night.

Health and health problems

Rottweilers, like many other large dogs, have their own health weaknesses. In this section we will analyze each of the possible diseases that can be diagnosed in this breed.

On the metabolic side, there are disturbances in its functioning.

1. Diabetes.
2. Skin diseases (eczema, dermatitis, dermatoses).
3. Bone problems. Osteochondrosis, hip dysplasia.
4. Eye diseases such as cataracts, retinal atrophy, hereditary eye diseases.
5. Genetic disorders in the health system.
6. Cancer.
7. Entropion.
8. Bloating.
9. Various cardiovascular pathologies.

In addition to the health problems listed above, Rottweilers suffer from nervous system disorders. Diseases of the kidneys, liver and spine (atlantoaxial instability), baldness (hypotrichosis) cannot be excluded.

Diseases of Rottweiler puppies

At an early age, puppies can easily pick up viral and infectious diseases, such as: parvovirus and coronavirus enteritis, hepatitis, leptospirosis, distemper, coccidiosis, leptospirosis. It is important to monitor your pet’s diet to avoid intestinal infections, which in the final stages can lead to the death of the dog.

Here are the main signs of an intestinal infection:

1. A sharp rise in temperature.
2. Discharge from the eyes and nose, mostly serous-purulent.
3. Lack of desire to move or eat.
4. Digestive problems, diarrhea.
5. Change in breathing rate, slow heart rate.

In order to prevent Rottweiler diseases, it is necessary to vaccinate on time, provide high-quality care for the dog and comfortable conditions for its life.

In addition to acquired diseases, the Rottweiler may have hereditary diseases, such as inflammation of the membranes of the cerebral cortex (epilepsy and encephalitis). From about one to three years of age, Rottweilers may experience epileptic seizures, which are not curable, but are quite controllable with the administration of special medications. Dogs with this condition are not allowed to be bred.

Congenital diseases of Rottweilers include hypotrichosis. With this disease, the dog loses its hair in a symmetrical manner. Problems with the cervical vertebrae and their weak articulation may also appear.

Skin diseases

Often, due to hormonal and metabolic imbalances in the body, skin diseases occur (seborrhea, dermatitis, eczema, acne, allergic reactions). The appearance of dermatitis can be easily prevented by proper care of your pet's coat. This includes timely bathing, combing, checking for the presence of ectoparasites in the coat, etc.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system

Cardiovascular pathologies can be either congenital or acquired:

1. Myocardial infarction can occur due to circulatory problems.
2. Aortic stenosis.

If pathologies are acquired with age, they must be monitored and treated. Otherwise, the death of the dog is inevitable. It is necessary to monitor your pet's breathing, pulse and heart rate.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system

Among the most common congenital diseases among Rottweilers is hip dysplasia. This disease is very painful for the dog, because as a result of the disease, the hind limbs become bent, causing the gait to become unsteady. The Rottweiler begins to get tired quickly, practically does not rise to its paws, and physical activity decreases.

In order to avoid such problems, it is necessary to feed your pet properly and not neglect physical activity. If there is the slightest change in your dog's behavior or deterioration in its health, immediately contact a veterinarian who can provide the necessary medical assistance. It is important to know that any delay can lead to disastrous results.

How to care for a Rottweiler puppy

Rottweilers are fairly large dog breeds. In order for a dog to grow up healthy and live for a long time, it is necessary to pay attention to its nutrition and physical activity from the very “childhood” age.

In addition to caring for the dog, the owner should try to adapt it as much as possible to life in the family, since the tendency to dominate is one of the main character traits of this breed. You will have to socialize your four-legged friend from the moment he is separated from his mother.

How to care for a Rottweiler and how to raise a four-legged friend are the main questions that concern novice dog breeders.

Training and education of the Rottweiler

The pets of this fighting breed, despite their powerful appearance, are quite trainable. They are very smart, patient, and excellent guards. However, this breed has its own specific characteristics that must be studied before undertaking the process of raising it. Only with a full understanding of the nature of the animal is it possible to raise an obedient dog from a Rottweiler.

It is immediately worth noting that the Rottweiler is a dog of one owner, with whom it will be in psychological and emotional contact. The owner must be able to hold himself as an authority for the dog. In order to achieve unquestioning execution of all commands, the human leader must have patience, perseverance and determination. All these qualities will help to pacify the stubborn temperament that manifests itself in the Rottweiler already in puppyhood.

How to raise a Rottweiler

To avoid problems with keeping a wayward Rottweiler puppy, training should begin as early as possible. From the first days of your pet’s appearance in the house, it is necessary to teach him manners and rules of behavior. The puppy must have its own permanent place and be accustomed to it. All negative habits of the puppy must be stopped immediately. So, it is completely unacceptable to grab a hand, aggression towards other animals or family members, not following commands, and strict discipline is necessary during walks.

Physical methods of training or yelling at the dog are unacceptable. Thus, his upbringing will not take place, but on the contrary, it will be aggravated by an embittered or frightened character. Then “retrain”. If you are unhappy with your dog's behavior, just call him in a calm and serious voice.

Content

Many people living in apartments and private houses prefer Rottweilers. Let's consider what living conditions are most suitable for these dogs.

In the apartment

Even though the Rottweiler is a large dog, it can still be kept in an apartment. But for a comfortable stay, the dog needs a separate place . In addition, the apartment should be spacious. In a small home it is very difficult to keep up with a large dog; this can slow down its development.

The Rottweiler's task is to protect its owner, so it reacts warily to strangers. It will be difficult to restrain your dog when guests are too close.

On the street

Rottweilers have a thick undercoat, so the dogs can be safely kept outside . But it should be borne in mind that they cannot tolerate heat; care should be taken to ensure comfortable placement in the warm season.

Can you live outside in winter?

Let's consider whether it is possible to keep a Rottweiler outside in winter? The dog endures winter absolutely calmly; it is much easier for him in the cold than in the heat. In addition, excessive exposure to heat negatively affects the condition of the coat. And the apartments are well heated in winter. Therefore, we can conclude that it is better for an animal to live on the street than in an apartment, although the option of keeping it in a multi-storey building should not be completely ruled out.

What kind of frost can it withstand?

The Rottweiler tolerates frost well because it has long hair with a thick undercoat. Therefore, you can safely leave your dog outside in any weather by equipping him with a suitable booth. The Rottweiler can withstand temperatures down to -20 degrees .

Photo

Next in the photo you can see a Rottweiler in winter.